Redwire names Mahoney Defense Tech CTO

Redwire Corporation has appointed William Mahoney as Chief Technology Officer of Redwire Defense Tech, strengthening its focus on next-generation defense capabilities. The appointment was announced on November 12, 2026, through a company press release from Jacksonville, Florida. In the new role, Mahoney will shape the technology roadmap for Redwire’s defense-focused portfolio as the company emphasizes innovation in autonomous and mission systems.

As Defense Tech CTO, Mahoney will guide development activities across autonomous systems, electro-optical and infrared (EO/IR) payloads, energy systems, sensors and radio frequency (RF) antenna solutions. His responsibilities include translating emerging technologies into product advancements designed to meet evolving operational needs. The company highlights autonomy, AI-enabled mission operations and digital engineering as key areas in which his expertise will support future product development.

Redwire states that Mahoney will drive innovation in autonomous systems and AI-enabled mission operations within its defense technology portfolio. By overseeing EO/IR payloads and RF antenna solutions, he is expected to help advance payload and sensing capabilities for defense applications. His role also encompasses directing progress in energy systems and sensor technologies, aligning these areas with real-world operational requirements.

The company’s leadership has emphasized that Mahoney has worked at the forefront of demanding defense technologies. They view his background as a way to accelerate development and expand the capabilities of Redwire’s products, with the aim of offering operators more options in the field. This focus on operational relevance underscores the importance of integrating emerging technologies into deployable solutions.

Mahoney brings more than 25 years of engineering and technology leadership experience to Redwire Defense Tech. Most recently, he served as Vice President and Chief Technology Officer for Leidos (LDOS)’ Airborne & Mission Solutions and Kinetic Effects businesses. In that role, his work encompassed uncrewed aircraft, counter-unmanned aircraft systems and airborne mission systems, areas closely tied to autonomy and advanced mission operations.

Before joining Leidos (LDOS), Mahoney held leadership positions at Northrop Grumman. There, he led engineering and technology organizations that supported a multi-billion dollar annual portfolio. This experience in managing large, complex defense technology programs is positioned as a key asset for guiding Redwire’s defense technology initiatives.

Redwire describes itself as an integrated space and defense technology company with approximately 1,400 employees across North America and Europe. The appointment of a dedicated Defense Tech CTO reflects a strategic emphasis on expanding and advancing its defense offerings. By consolidating oversight of autonomous systems, sensing, energy and RF solutions under a single technology leader, Redwire aims to better align its innovation efforts with operational defense needs.